FMCG in Japan - statistics & facts
Simple, colorful, and highly competitive describes Japanese fast-moving consumer goods, one of the largest segments of the country's consumer market. Characterized by eye-catching marketing campaigns and convenient packaging for easy consumption, FMCGs include non-durable and semi-durable daily necessities like foodstuff and beverages, personal care products, and clothing. Food and beverages brands are at the core of the market, leading the list of FMCG brands found in Japanese households. National brands of domestic companies are the largest players, making use of their advertising strategy in media to draw in consumers. However, alternative products by private labels of retail stores are gaining traction amid rising prices and improving brand images.
Physical retail of FMCGs takes on various forms in Japan, ranging from vending machines, local neighborhood stores to chain stores operating under franchising systems. The convenience store sector plays a unique role in the distribution of consumer packaged goods. Spanning a network of over 56 thousand stores in Japan, small corner stores can be found in residential and bustling business districts, with many stores operating near each other to allow for casual and spontaneous purchases at short walking distance.
FMCG retailing
FMCGs are mainly an in-store retail segment that allow for the immediate use of daily necessities after purchase. Online shopping has rapidly penetrated Japanese households, but e-retailing enjoys higher popularity in durable goods segments like consumer electronics, physical media, and leisure goods. Even though edibles are the leading physical goods measured by value in the B2C e-commerce market, they make up only a four percent share of food retailing in Japan. While the convenience of around-the-clock shopping has been speaking in favor of non-store channels, the physical retail market is still staying strong.Physical retail of FMCGs takes on various forms in Japan, ranging from vending machines, local neighborhood stores to chain stores operating under franchising systems. The convenience store sector plays a unique role in the distribution of consumer packaged goods. Spanning a network of over 56 thousand stores in Japan, small corner stores can be found in residential and bustling business districts, with many stores operating near each other to allow for casual and spontaneous purchases at short walking distance.
